Almost one year after the premiere of The Way of Water, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora returns audiences to the unique alien world of James Cameron, this time in the form of a video game. Developed by Ubisoft and Massive, the open-world title has drawn comparisons to Far Cry according to reviewers.
On our sister site Metacritic, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has a metascore of 74, placing it in the mixed or average range based on 52 reviews at the time of publication.
In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, players take on the role of a 10-foot blue Na'vi, a stark difference from Far Cry. Our review of the game highlights the exhilarating experience of navigating the visually stunning world with parkour-like abilities, turning natural landscapes and enemy bases into playgrounds for exploration and adventure. Even if you're not a fan of the movies, the game's inclusion of new Na'vi clans offers a fresh, enticing experience with ties to the Avatar universe.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora launches this Thursday, December 7, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Game: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Release Date: December 7
Price: $70
Check out more reviews for the game below:
GameSpot - 8/10
"I never felt like an open-world trashman, dumping junk on the way to the next map marker. Instead, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora made me feel like I was adventuring in a place worth exploring, and I'm eager to go back." -- Phil Hornshaw [Full review]
Destructoid - 9/10
"For those who longed for a real-life Pandora after watching Avatar, your wish has been granted. This world not only allows you to witness the beauty of Pandora but also lets you explore its magnificent treetops, glide above the floating mountains on an Ikran, and ride across its vast open plains on the back of a Direhorse. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience and the ultimate Avatar adventure." -- Steven Mills [Full review]
VGC - 4/5
"Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a game that straddles two different eras with finesse. Its visual presentation is stunning, but in terms of gameplay, it falls short of introducing anything groundbreaking and still relies on the formulaic map-clearing mechanics that have been subject to ridicule." -- Jordan Middler [Full review]
GamesRadar - 3.5/5
"I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it despite its use of familiar gameplay mechanics. Everything functions smoothly as you navigate and complete quests, leading to a simple pleasure in gliding over mossy tree trunks with a bow in hand, or sneaking from bush to bush to tag enemies before launching an attack." -- Leon Hurley [Full review]
RockPaperShotgun - Unscored
"To be honest, I'm relieved to be done with Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora. While the game initially captivates with a stunning map and enjoyable tree-climbing, along with some shooting and looting, the Ubisoft formula eventually leads to a plateau in excitement." -- Ed Thorn [Full review]
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the release of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. The game's immersive gameplay and stunning visuals have me eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore the world of Pandora and experience the Na'vi culture. The positive reviews from critics further fuel my excitement, as they highlight the game's ability to capture the essence of the Avatar universe while offering a fresh and exciting experience.
However, I am also aware of the comparisons to Far Cry and the concerns about the game's reliance on formulaic map-clearing mechanics. As a Gen Z gamer, I have grown accustomed to open-world games that offer a sense of exploration and discovery, and I hope that Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will be able to provide a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Overall, I am optimistic about the game's potential and look forward to immersing myself in the world of Pandora when it launches this week.